On July 4th 1920, the surviving children of Samuel and Lucy Ferguson Artman met at the home of Caleb and Ella Mina Williams on Bush Road in Jamestown, Pennsylvania to settle their father's estate. They decided to make it an annual event. July 4th was chosen because it was the first date available after the death of Samuel when everyone was not working. The love of country led them to keep that date for the future unless Independence Day fell on a Sunday and then love of God inspired them to move the reunion to Monday on those cases.
This cemented their priorities of faith, family, and country which has lasted 100 years. The events of 2020 caused the reunion to be canceled and the celebration postponed. However, Samuel and Lucy's descendants showed up en force this year sporting custom made reunion t-shirts. We had our typical business meeting with election of officers, potluck dinner, and patriotic tribute. This year we added a genealogical explanation of the siblings and their descendants, inviting those present to stand when their lineage was named. Group photos were taken and passed photos were available for everyone to look at as well as new additions of mounted genealogy drawings and graphs. A memory board was also available for anyone to share stories of past experiences. Then the kids enjoyed yard games-- including a water balloon toss --and a pinata.
Following these traditional events, a trip was made to State Line Cemetery where many of our ancestors and relatives are buried where we had a balloon launch. Then there was a tour of the family farm where the reunion was held from 1920-2001. We are blessed to have such a rich heritage!
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